While I like to see myself as a healthy individual, unfortunately healthy people can find themselves in the emergency room. Hopefully not too much but I have never went to the emergency room for myself.
And as mentioned, not knowing the pain of what I had, may it be my appendix, gall bladder or what, I had to go to the emergency room because the pain was immense.
Well, I had to do several tests and for those wondering how much it costs, looking above, this is what it costs without insurance. But fortunately, I do and had to pay several thousand as opposed to many thousands of dollars.
But this is just a small part of it.
After the emergency room visit, you have to do CT-Scan, X-Rays and additional tests that cost money. You pay your co-pays to see your doctor, your specialist, you pay for your medications and then you start receiving other bills such as the doctor who saw you at the emergency room and other bills that add up. And remember, if you have insurance, you have to meet your deductible. So, if you’re deductible is $250 or $500 or even $2000, you are liable to take care of those expenses.
It’s important to note that by no means am I telling people to not go to the emergency room because if you are in so much pain and are not sure what it is, you need to go. It’s very important because your pain, if not treated or diagnosed, can lead to worsening health problems or even something fatal. So, get it checked.
But knowing what kidney stones are and that I still have a few in my body, fortunately my urologist and doctor ensured that on the next onset, to have certain medications ready on hand.
I’m not a doctor but with a family to support and a person who wants to become more fiscally responsible, the cost of healthcare in the US is just out of control.
As mentioned, when I had to do a CT-Scan and the hospital required a payment upfront of nearly $1000, not everyone can just pay for it and have it done. When I got out of the ER and immediately they started asking if I can pay my bill immediately, not many people can do that.
And the fact that these tests may have to be done multiple times a year is tough for some.
I do know someone who has gone to the ER each and every time for kidney stones. His are larger, he is not going to control his eating or what he drinks, so he keeps getting them and is always in pain. He is also eligible for medi-cal which covers his hospital bills.
For me, I’ll do what I can to not have anymore kidney stones but as we get older, develop certain illnesses or some health related situations, it scares me to know how much medical care costs in this country.
